The Waldorf sallad of modular madness – fresh from NAMM
Waldorf Music has introduced its Eurorack Pack, a stylish, state-of-the-art, self-contained modular synth system, comprising the kb37 Controller Keyboard, and three colourful new modules for the Eurorack format to accompany the already-available nw1 Wavetable Module launched last year.
Our developers came up with a keyboard that is both intuitive for the beginner and versatile for the professional. And it’s just as solid and elegant as all our instruments that we build here at Waldorf in Germany. kb37 is a compact and rugged performance instrument. It can house up to 100 HP of modules in its conveniently angled panel that sits right on top of the super high-quality Fatar TP9 keyboard.
With its high-resolution and temperature stable 16-bit CV interface, it provides extremely flexible control for your modules. MIDI channels are programmable, making the kb37 the perfect partner for both studio and stage. It provides perfect connectivity to all your modules to serve both the player and the sound designer’s desires with an array of real-time control elements such as pitch and mod wheels. The professional, full-sized 37-note keybed transmits velocity and aftertouch.
New modules
- mod1 — Three different modulation sources in one module make the mod1 the control center of your modular patch. From simple envelopes and LFOs to complex looped multi-stage curves, the mod1 delivers rich and endless modulation options – all based on pure analogue circuitry for everything from super- smooth curves to razor-sharp edges that never sound “digital”. From gently undulating LFOs to ultra-precise hard cuts, you get it all based on innovative analogue circuits for a truly musical touch.
- dvca1 — Built around two VCAs with a wide range of options including the most important one: the ability to musically colour the signal. Starting in dry mode, you get high-precision analogue amplification. But then when you turn the Colour knob, you add a warmer and more colourful timbre to the signal based on a finely-crafted state variable filtering circuit. But there’s more: Simultaneous linear and exponential control as well as specialised AC and DC coupled inputs are provided. A positive gain control makes the dvca1 a true “amplifier,” and flexible link modes let you create modulated panning.
- cmp1 — A true high-end analogue compressor not only adds punch to your signal, but it also can be modulated in intriguing and unconventional ways! Side-chaining with a adjustable balance control will open a huge set of modular possibilities. The cmp1 has all the features you expect from a modern compressor including attack and release control, automatic and manual modes, hard and soft knee as well as output gain and bleed amount of the original signal.
The Eurorack Pack products are expected to ship Q3 2016.
» Keyboard & controllers
— Fatar TP9 37-keys keyboard with aftertouch
— Multiple velocity curves
— Pitchbend wheel
— Modulation wheel
— Glide
— Selectable note priority
— Octave up/down switch
— Gate retrigger
» Module section
— Width: 545mm/107 HP
— Eurorack compatible bus
— Bus CV & Gate linkable to CV interface via jumpers
— Built-in regulated power-supply (+12V/-12V, 1.5A)
» CV interface
— 8 CV outputs
— Pitch
— Velocity
— Aftertouch
— Pitchbend
— Modwheel
— 3 user-assignable MIDI controllers
— 3 Trigger outputs
—Gate
—Clock & Reset outputs for MIDI sync
» Connections
— USB with isolation
— MIDI In, Out, Thru
— Sustain pedal input
— Sensor input?/?output
— Stereo line outputs with volume control
— Headphones output with separate volume control
Three new Eurorack modules from Waldorf will debut at NAMM
Three different modulation sources in one module make the mod1 the control center of your modular patch.
From simple envelopes and LFOs to complex looped multi-stage curves, the mod1 delivers rich and endless modulation options – all based on pure analogue circuitry for everything from super- smooth curves to razor-sharp edges that never sound “digital. From gently undulating LFOs to ultra-precise hard cuts, you get it all based on innovative analogue circuits for a truly musical touch.”
Specifications
mod1 sideThree highly flexible modulation sources in one module. All based on innovative analogue circuits for snappy attacks and super smooth curves.
1. AD3SR
ADSR envelope with up to three decay stages
Each decay stage with time and target level control
Configurable for 1, 2, or 3 decay stages
Loop mode for looping from attack over all enabled decays stages
Gate and trigger inputs
Positive and Inverted output
2. Symmetry Generator
Two segment modulator with controllable symmetry
CV-inputs for speed and symmetry
Symmetry modulation keeps base frequency
LFO mode with bipolar output
Gate and Trigger envelope modes with unipolar output
Linear or rectangular wave forms
3. Rise & Fall
Two stage envelope “rise & fall”
Flexible curve control for rise stage – from smooth classical RC shape to cutting linear segments
Optional loop mode
Gate input
Signal output
Built around two VCAs with a wide range of options including the most important one: the ability to musically colour the signal. Starting in dry mode, you get high-precision analogue amplification. But then when you turn the Colour knob, you add a warmer and more colourful timbre to the signal based on a finely-crafted state variable filtering circuit. But there’s more: Simultaneous linear and exponential control as well as specialised AC and DC coupled inputs are provided. A positive gain control makes the dvca1 a true “amplifier,” and flexible link modes let you create modulated panning.
Specifications
dvca1 sideTwo true analogue high-end VCAs
Optional colour control based on state variable filter technology
CV-input for colour modulation
Simultaneous linear and exponential control and CV inputs
Additional gain control for adding up to +12dB
Separate AC and DC coupled inputs for audio rsp. control signals
Separate summing output combining both signals
Link mode for parallel modulation of two signals
Anti-parallel link option for panning effects”
A true high-end analogue compressor not only adds punch to your signal, but it also can be modulated in intriguing and unconventional ways! Side-chaining with a adjustable balance control will open a huge set of modular possibilities. The cmp1 has all the features you expect from a modern compressor including attack and release control, automatic and manual modes, hard and soft knee as well as output gain and bleed amount of the original signal.
Specifications
cmp1 sideTru analogue high-end compressor
Flexible side-chaining
Control path based on controllable balance of side and main signal
RMS and Peak modes
Threshold and compression controllable from panel with additional CV-inputs
Attack & Release in manual or automatic mode
Hard and soft-knee compression
Bleeding control for mixing original signal to compressed output
Overall gain control
Input level control
Separate output of detector signal for use as envelope follower
Additional level control input for optional use as exponential VCA
Ninstrument Demo’s five Eurorack Modules including a Star Wars tribute
Here we demo the following Modules.
TR-727
DR-55
KO2s
MKP2s
Tractor Beam 12
More info at www.Ninstrument.com
“It’s not every year we get a new Star Wars movie and considering how much the first ones influenced me I had to do something to show my appreciation. I borrowed the electronics from the ‘Sounds of Star Wars’ book and added a backlight to the LCD screen and CV controls for the buttons. So, every time I want to feel like a kid I can patch away!
Includes 256 sounds from the first six movies. Plenty for me to get the FORCE on:)”
Exploring the Moog Mother-32 and the Eurorack Modular Environment
In this video we explore the possibilities of the the new Moog Mother-32 semi-modular analog synthesizer hosted within Eurorack modular system. The Mother-32 has already been met with high praise from experienced modular users to the novice.
Instead of reviewing its features, we wanted to demonstrate a variety of creative patches to show the Mother’s timbral and musical prowess.
We’ve numbered each patch in the video. Tell us what you’re favorites are in the comments below.
Patch #1: 0:14
Patch #2: 2:10
Patch #3: 2:41
Patch #4 3:11
Patch #5 3:59
Patch #6 4:42
Patch #7 5:36
Patch #8 6:44
Patch #9 8:31
Switched On is a store front, online retailer, repair shop, and destination for the electronic musician.
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Vince Clarke Music has relaesed the IMAGINATOR VCX-378 Eurorack module
Vince Clarke Music has relaesed the IMAGINATOR VCX-378, the second product release in an ongoing series of creative and utilitarian modules for the ever-present Eurorack small-format modular system, designed and built to exacting standards in close collaboration with British ‘boutique’ analogue synthesiser and accessory designer/manufacturer Analogue Solutions.
Musical imagination is a wonderful thing. Synthesisers and associated modern-day music technology can help make that happen in wonderful ways. With an amazing number of hit singles and chart-topping albums to his Ivor Novello Award-winning songwriting name and an accompanying hard-earned and hard-working synthesiser collection to die for, synth-pop pioneer Vince Clarke clearly has it all in spades. So just imagine if you could call upon an amazingly musically inspirational device for assistance when seeking that defining elusive musical hook… well, you need not imagine anymore as the IMAGINATOR VCX-378 does just that, fresh from the imaginative musical mind of Vince Clarke! After all, sometimes serious songwriting synth-pop pioneers still need a helping hand (or Eurorack module): “I wanted a practical writing tool that would generate musical patterns based on user-controllable variables.”
Vince Clarke got what he wished for… the ingenious IMAGINATOR VCX-378 produces one-bar musical phrases based on either user-control of the Clarke company’s clever bespoke musical algorithm or a quasi-random solution. So anyone seeking to trigger their own musical imagination (and MIDI synthesisers) should simply add an IMAGINATOR VCX-378 to their Eurorack small-format modular system setup. The result? Almost unlimited combinations and permutations that will both inspire and amaze as it helps when searching for that defining elusive musical hook.
Housed in a 36 HP-width Eurorack module, the IMAGINATOR VCX-378 has a front facia-located one-octave ‘keyboard’ — with each ‘note’ having a push button and associated LED — alongside two Quantize sections, Octavize and Transpose sections, a Velocity treatment, plus internal (Sequencer) and external (Midi/Clock) clocking, as well as a full MIDI interface.
In most cases, users will want to sync to their sequencing software by sending the IMAGINATOR VCX-378 a MIDI note clock. This can be downloaded from the Clarke company website. The IMAGINATOR VCX-378 then references these notes and uses this information to clock the musical patterns it produces. With everything correctly connected, users can use soft synths or send those musically imaginative patterns out to an external synthesiser — something close to Vince Clarke’s musical heart.
Helpfully, Vince Clarke himself has taken time out from an always musically successful schedule to prepare some seriously userfriendly tutorials to transport the new IMAGINATOR VCX-378 user from novice to expert in no time. “For full operation of the unit, I suggest you make yourself a nice cup of tea and watch the user video,” he says, before later concluding: “Thanks for watching… and now I must get back to my day job.”
Jesting aside, while the IMAGINATOR VCX-378 makes for a musically imaginative holiday season gift for the seasoned synth lover in someone’s life, note that it will produce inspiring musical phrases well beyond the 12 days of Christmas! Let’s hand off here to ‘tutor’ Vince Clarke to blow our musical minds with some insightful IMAGINATOR VCX-378 note-related number crunching: “With one note there are 16 possible positions within one bar for the note to go. With two notes there are 120 possible positions. With three notes there are 560. This increases and then decreases exponentially. So, if we do the math, we can say that using one to 16 notes there are a possible 65,535 combinations. Remember: we are only talking about one note. Once you start adding pitch to
this equation then the numbers really go through the roof. No wonder there seems to be an unlimited number of one-bar patterns.” Perhaps the IMAGINATOR VCX-378 is not just for Christmas, after all?
The IMAGINATOR VCX-378 is available from Analogue Solutions for £349 GBP ex tax and delivery.
Modular Monthly: Eurorack filter clones head-to-head
A rack of the clones! Want to get the sound of a classic synth in your Eurorack set-up? An authentic sounding filter is the ideal place to start. We examine the modular world’s best filter clones, from MS-20 emulations to 101-inspired modules, to see how they stack up head-to-head.
See more in issue 294 of Future Music: http://bit.ly/FMU294
Moog goes Eurorack with Mother-32 – offically released
Moog has announced the Mother-32, a distinctively vintage-voiced analog performance and production synthesizer, meticulously handcrafted to inspire unique sound creation, new music and endless sonic exploration.
The Mother-32 is mounted in a black, laser-etched extruded aluminum enclosure and finished with traditional wood sidepieces. The 100% analog instrument features a comprehensive voltage-controlled sequencer and 32-point analog patchbay.
Mother-32’s semi-modular design means that no patching is required to create powerful analog sound. This allows musicians of any experience level to quickly make music. Synthesists will enjoy exploring the extensive 32-point patchbay which unlocks truly expressive, unique and complex synthesis capabilities. The patchbay provides access to a wealth of sounds and functionality including an assignable CV output jack, MIDI to CV conversion, a second voltage-controlled mixer, sync, interconnectivity and expandability.
Onboard sound sources include a powerful 10-octave analog oscillator with variable pulse width, and an all-analog white noise generator. The signals from each are blended together by a voltage-controlled mixer for dynamic sound creation and manipulation. From the mixer output, sound travels through a Moog Ladder Filter with selectable low pass and high pass filter types.
Musical creation and programming is executed via Mother-32’s comprehensive 32-step, voltage controlled sequencer or external MIDI controller. There are two sequencing styles, allowing each user to create new musical ideas with ease and familiarity. A total of 64 patterns can be stored within Mother-32’s memory bank.
Mother-32 is an expandable analog ecosystem that allows multiple units to easily be mounted and patched together for extended synthesis capabilities.
Mother 32 features
- Semi-Modular design requires no patching for swift, inspired music creation.
- Voltage Controlled 32 Step Sequencer with 64 Sequence Locations.
- Low Pass & High Pass Moog Ladder Filter (20Hz–20kHz) with voltage controlled resonance.
- External audio input for processing outside sound sources.
- Definitive Moog oscillator with Pulse and Sawtooth wave outputs.
- 5-pin MIDI input and MIDI to CV converter.
- 32 Modular Patch Points (Includes 5 patch cables).
- 2 Voltage controlled mixers.
- Superb companion to Werkstatt 01, Minitaur and other synthesizers.
- Main module can be easily transferred into a Eurorack skiff or case.
- Mount 2 or 3 units vertically with optional 2 and 3 Tier kits.
- Complete solution for new Eurorack users – no other items required.
The Mother-32 is available for purchase for $679 USD. Direct orders will ship within 10 weeks.
Roland Aira Modular EFX: first look
The four new Roland Aira Eurorack effects modules, Bitrazer, Demora, Scooper & Torcido.
- Bitrazer combines intense bit and sample rate crushing effects
- Demora is a high-resolution delay module
- Scooper combines a single-pass loop recorder and Scatter effect
- Torcido is designed to deliver ‘classic Roland distortion sound’
The modules are unique in that they can be used as standalone tabletop effects or incorporated into Eurorack systems. They also can have their internal signal flow repatched, using the AIRA Module Customizer.
The modules have street prices of about $300 apiece.
Mother32 – new Eurorack synth module from Moog
The Mother32 is a Eurorack synth module that is a basic all-in-one synth voice. Architecturally, it is a single-VCO Moog synth voice – but with 32 audio and control voltage patch points, a built-in sequencer and ‘Moog sound’.
Key Features:
- All-in-one Moog synth voice in Eurorack format
- Can be used as a standalone desktop synth module or as part of a Euro system
- MIDI & CV control
- 32 patch points
- Built-in step sequencer, with per-note control over a large number of parameters, including gate length and ratcheting
The Moog Mother32 is expected to be available in early October, priced at US $599.
Roland AIRA EFX Eurorack Modules – First Look
David Ahlund shows us the four new digital Eurorack modules (Bitrazer, Scooper, Torcido and Demora) plus the Configurator editor.
DATAMASKIN
